With summer in full swing, it is always important that you worry about protecting yourself from sunlight . The use of sunscreen is important, but you also have to know how to use the correct filter and in the appropriate measure.
The B (UVB) ultraviolet light is responsible for most carcinogenic (leading to cancer) in the skin. UVB is most intense between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM , therefore it is recommended that you avoid sun exposure during this period.
Ultraviolet A (UVA) light leads to photoaging and is associated with the development of malignant melanomas. An important difference between UVA and UVB radiation is that the intensity of UVA rays is the same throughout the day and during all seasons.
After prolonged exposure to sunlight, the outermost part of the skin becomes thicker and redder, this is due to increased melanin production. Melanin is a natural protective substance that absorbs the energy of ultraviolet rays and prevents them from penetrating deeper into the tissue.
To prevent overexposure from causing a little damage to your skin , you must take special care using sunscreen, caps, hats, sunglasses, protective clothing and, especially, avoid the sun between 10: 00-16: 00.
Index
Protective Creams / Solar Filters
The sunscreen, also known as sunblock, is a lotion, spray or topical product that helps protect the skin against ultraviolet A and B rays of the sun. It helps reduce sunburn and other skin damage, and is ultimately linked to a lower risk of skin cancer.
The sunscreen should be used every day . There are many cosmetic products available that already contain sunscreen in their composition, since sun protection is the main way to prevent premature aging of damaged skin and allow it to regenerate.
Sunlight is reflected in a very intense way by the sand (17%), so even under the umbrella or in the shade, you should apply sunscreen . Don’t reserve sunscreen use only for sunny summer days, even on a cloudy day, as 80% of UV rays pass through clouds.
When choosing your product , pay attention to some of the desirable characteristics:
- Against UVA and UVB rays: filters that protect against both types of ultraviolet rays.
- Hypoallergenic: uses substances that do not normally cause allergies.
- PABA free or “PABA free”: filters that do not contain PABA substances, which have a high power to cause allergies.
- Oil-free or “oil-free”: filters whose ingredients do not contain oily substances, are best suited for oily skin or people prone to the formation of blackheads and pimples.
- Non-comedogenic: protectors that do not clog pores, thus preventing the formation of blackheads. They are also suitable for oily skin and people prone to the formation of blackheads and pimples .
For specific protection tips, take a look at the best sunscreens according to readers’ opinions in already published reviews or the best facial sunscreen creams article .
SPF – Sun Protection Factor
The sun protection factor (SPF), characteristic of all sunscreens, is a measure of how long a person can be in the sun without burning. This is indicative that it helps in choosing the product according to the type of skin. For lighter skin, the sun exposure time required to burn it is less than for more resistant skin.
The higher the SPF value , the greater the protection that sunscreen offers against UV-B (ultraviolet radiation that causes sunburn) and UV-A (the most associated with long-term damage to the skin). For example, a person who would burn after 12 minutes in the sun, protected by an SPF10 sunscreen (10 times more protection), can extend their period to 120 minutes (2 hours) .
On the other hand, the higher the SPF, the greater the chances of developing skin sensitization (skin allergy), due to the increased concentration of chemicals (so it is important to consult a doctor to know the needs of your skin). Also, the higher the SPF, the more oil the product has.
Lighter skins require filters with a higher SPF (at least SPF 30), while on dark skins (more resistant), a lower SPF is sufficient (but at least SPF 15). There are protectors with SPF between 2 and 100.
Tips to protect yourself from the sun
- Use a minimum of sunscreen SPF 15 . Most products only protect against UVB rays, which cause the skin to turn red. Some brands also offer protection against UVA rays, which penetrate the inner layers of the skin. Look for one with UVA and UVB protection.
- Even with sunscreen, wear a wide -brimmed hat to cover your ears and sunglasses in bright light.
- Moisturize the skin after sunbathing to avoid dryness.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible.
- Avoid overexposure to the sun between 10: 00-16: 00.
- At the beach, reapply the product every 2 hours. On a day-to-day basis, use it in the morning and reapply at noon.
- Do not forget to protect the ears, lips, neck, back, hands and feet, as well as where the hair is fine.
Is the sunscreen formulated and created in pharmacies better than the common industrial?
Some people have asked me about pharmacy formulated sunscreens, and if they are better than ordinary sunscreens, so here is my take.
Yes, they can be better , as long as you have a prescription from a doctor and take it to a trusted pharmacy that is thorough with the formula . But there are exceptions … the problem is that sometimes they add many other substances, such as regenerating active ingredients, mattifying agents, moisturizers, antioxidants, which can compromise the stability and effectiveness of the formula.
And there are more details that can make a difference, for example, manufacturers require SPF testing and UVA protection , which is not required for pharmacy formulation; so there is no way to know for sure if the manipulated products offer the same SPF and UVA protection. So in that case, I still consider the use of common (industrialized) sunscreen to be ideal.
Skin phototypes
First of all, it is important to remember that the term sunscreen was prohibited by US law, since it is not possible to block 100% of UVA solar radiation . Blocking is divided into UVA (315-400nm), UVB (280-315 nm) and UVC (100-280 nm)
In 1975, Harvard Medical School physician Dr. Thomas B. Fitzpatrick created a classification of skin types. The rating is based on skin color and reaction to sun exposure.
This classification is used today for the programming of laser treatments and allows the calibration of the equipment at safe power levels for each skin type.
- Type I: burns easily, never tans (white)
- Type II: burns easily, tans slightly (white)
- Type III: moderately burned, gradual and even tan (white)
- Type IV: minimal burn, moderate tan (light brown)
- Type V: rarely burns. Deep dark tan (brunette)
- Type VI: never burns. Pigmentation is deep (dark
There are two problems with Fitzpatrick’s classification:
- Skin types that are not extreme (very white and very dark), that is, means that many people fall between two skin phototypes and are not on the scale.
- This classification does not take into account skin cancer, only tanning and burns, therefore, the SPF indication is low.
On the other hand, Fitzpatrick did not take into account the correct use of sunscreen since they only worked in the laboratory (in vitro), they did not work in practice (in vivo), and if it is used incorrectly, the protection is diminished .
Types of sun protection creams
Physical sunscreens
They work by reflecting or scattering sunlight through the formation of a film on the skin. They are good for babies, children and people with sensitive skin (they are those creams that normally leave the skin white).
Chemical solar filters
They absorb solar radiation, transform it and release it chemically.
In polluted environments, people burn more, pollution camouflages visible radiation. We can see that the skies and the environment are darker but there is also a risk of burns.
The differences between sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen, and after-sun gel / cream
- Bronzer : tans the skin. It has no UVA protection, only UVB.
- Sun Cream (Protector) : Has SPF between 6-30.
- Blocker : Up to SPF 30. Blocks sunlight, there is even SPF 100.
- Gel / Cream after sun (Aftersun) : It only relieves itching due to the remnants of absorbed radiation.
The incorrect use of sunscreen
- When you don’t extend it over the neck, ears, side of the face and near the hair.
- Do not reapply it every 2 or 3 hours.
- In general, you apply it on the beach, and it is appropriate to apply it at home , 30 minutes before, since the sunscreen takes at least 30 minutes to activate .
- You tend to rub your face, removing part of the product that remains on the surface or preventing it from penetrating the deeper layers of the skin.
- Do not clean the skin before application . A layer of sunscreen on dirty skin can increase the tendency to acne.
So we recommend that you read this article with tips and Products to Wash the Face and it is PERFECT
The habit of not using sunscreen and sunbathing too much can cause skin cancer , since all the solar radiation that we take during our lives is absorbed by our body, and does not accumulate.
Questions and answers about sunscreen creams
What is the correct amount to apply to the face?
- 2 grams, the equivalent of a teaspoon.
What is the correct amount to apply to the body?
- 1 tablespoon per body region.
Why shouldn’t we share a bottle of sunscreen?
In general, families have the habit of sharing sunscreen and this is not recommended , since if the correct amount to use is a tablespoon in each region of the body, a bottle of sunscreen for a person on the beach, for example , it should not last more than two weeks.
Sunscreen creams, in addition to being an expensive product, do not last long. Do the math and see how much you spend using the right amount of sunscreen for a month.
Are there more factors that can lower the SPF?
Yes, for example, the chemical modification of the product, if it has expired or has been exposed to the sun, there may be a change.
Can the body sunscreen be used on the face?
Yes, but it is not ideal. Body sunscreen is generally more oily, it was not made with the same care as facial sunscreen, which will preferably be oil-free. To answer this question, you also have to assess the conditions of the person.
If you realize that you cannot afford to buy a product that is more expensive, it is preferable that you use the same protector for the body and face , even if it is not ideal, than not use any protection.
Are there differences between spray and cream sunscreen?
No, but the spray, in addition to being more expensive, you still have to spread it well on the skin. If you don’t, the product will only stay on the surface and will not penetrate the skin.
What about sunscreen for hair? Does it really work?
Do not buy it if it does not have the SPF number written on the packaging. Otherwise it doesn’t work. It is money wasted.
Here you can see more information about sunscreens for hair: Benefits, how to choose them and the best options.
Is tanning oil harmful?
Yes, the oil serves as a magnifying glass that directs the radiation towards the center of the cell (nucleus). The cell nucleus is where our genetic material is, therefore, with penetrating radiation in the nucleus, cells can mutate and with the mutation of cells, cancer appears.
Look at the skin cancer scheme: Sun-battered skin leads to cellular transformation, and this leads to the disorderly multiplication of new tissue = neoplasia.
According to WHO, skin cancer represents 25% of all cancer tumors.
Skin diseases related to solar radiation (Dermatosis)
Sun burns
Acute inflammatory reaction characterized by redness, swelling, local pain and, in more severe cases, blisters and bubbles.
Photermermatosis
Skin burn without immunological conditions . For example, spots caused by citrus fruits (The famous homemade recipes to lighten the skin that have lemon, and when the skin is exposed to the sun, they cause spots).
Photoallergy
Increased responsiveness of the skin to the ultraviolet light .
Photoaging
The early aging and premature skin .
Skin diseases related to chronic sun exposure (Dermatosis)
Sunspots
Also known as senile melanosis : for example, age spots (those small spots that older people usually have on their hands, are the result of excessive exposure to the sun without protection throughout life).
Keratosis
Dark spots composed of keratin . For example, the ones that actor Morgan Freeman has on his face.
Leucoderma
Small depigmentation spots found mainly on the arms, neck, and face.
Actinic Elastosis solar
Thickening of the skin . If you want more information, you can see it here .
The Sun and vitamin D
We know that sun protection is important, but we must remember that when the sun is not an exaggeration, it is a source of health . The sun activates the production of vitamin D , which prevents many diseases, strengthens the bones and also, of course, makes people feel great.
The best time to activate vitamin D is precisely the time when the sun is strongest: 10 am-3pm . Before that, the rays have low UVB radiation, which does not guarantee sufficient production of vitamin D. At sunrise or sunset, sunlight is equal to winter sun, at this time, vitamin D cannot be produced, even with a high UVB content .
To reconcile skin protection with the need for exposure to vitamin D, the recommendation is to protect the face normally and leave the legs and arms, which are the most exposed parts of the body, unprotected for 15 to 20 minutes a day. day (don’t forget to apply sunscreen afterwards).
The face is already exposed throughout the year, and there is no reason to expose it further. It is the area where premature aging caused by the sun is most visible . Thus, by exposing only the arms and legs and for a limited time, your chances of developing skin cancer will be minimal, since these areas are often not as exposed during the year. Even so, the legs and arms represent almost 30% -40% of the surface of the body, ensuring adequate production of vitamin D.
These articles supplement the vitamin D information you need to know:
Kathie Sand always saw the world of beauty as the terrain on which to build her professional career, a goal that was clear to her when she was only 15 years old. Her great concern to expand knowledge led her to settle in Paris where she studied hand in hand with the best beauty professionals and with the most advanced techniques for skin care.